Roger White and Aaron Spevack have at least three things in common: they are both religious converts, professors at Loyola and advisers to their religious organizations on campus.
White, a political science professor, grew up slightly Catholic and Methodist, but formally converted to Judaism in April of 2005 after years of Jewish practice. Spevack, a religious studies professor, has a heritage that consists of Eastern and Western Christianity and Russian Judaism, but he converted to Islam in 1999.
Many people on campus understand this to be uncommon, but say it keeps with Loyola’s diversity.
“I think it’s great. We’re a Jesuit university that embraces all kinds. It’s really one of the things I like best about it here,” said Brittany Voelker, business senior.
Chelsea Rose, performance freshman, said she was surprised when she first got to the school. She didn’t know they would offer so many religion courses outside of the Catholic faith.
The two professors have had positive experiences at Loyola.
“The university does seem to push open-mindedness when it comes to religion, which is very cool. I’ve never had trouble being the adviser; most people say it’s nice that I’m a convert because my perspective is broader,” Spevack said.
White said he has had a fantastic experience as well.
“Loyola has been wonderful; in fact, when I had my conversion ceremony, a lot of people from the Institute of Ministry came and were beyond supportive. My being a convert has never affected my being adviser for the JSA or my experience with the Jewish community in general,” he said.
“Jesuit spirituality is incredibly open and inclusive and encourages the diversity that so many are fond of. I’ve worked here for over 21 years and always loved it,” White said.
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